From plans to practice – Turning manufacturers’ sustainability goals into action

According to a 2024 report from Make UK, the number of UK manufacturers with environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets increased by 48% between 2021 and 2024. But manufacturers face several barriers when it comes to implementing these policies. Here, Patrik Eurenius, Head of Sustainability and Environment, Health and Safety at metal cutting tools and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant, explores how adopting a habit-based approach can help manufacturers to act on their sustainability strategies.    

With the UK Government committing to a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050, an increasing number of British manufacturers are introducing sustainability strategies. Make UK’s research reveals that over three in five have ESG targets, compared with 42% in 2021. Additionally, two-thirds of survey respondents intend to expand their ESG efforts within the coming two years.

As the need for climate action becomes more urgent, implementing a viable ESG strategy is no longer just a welcome addition, but a business need. Make UK’s report revealed that 77% of survey respondents were subject to ESG conditions by their customers. Consequently, failing to adapt to the changing environment puts manufacturers at risk of losing business.

However, converting a sustainability strategy into an actionable plan can prove difficult for manufacturers, especially if they are early in their implementation process. Only around a quarter of manufacturers felt that they received ESG support from their customers, while just under half believed that they did not have the required resources to meet goals. These requirements are not likely to disappear, making them a necessity from a business longevity perspective. So, how can manufacturers make sure they meet ESG targets?

Introducing Manufacturing Wellness

Making tangible progress towards sustainability goals requires an outlook that recognises the interconnected steps of the value chain and breaks down sustainability strategies into manageable habits. In 2023, Sandvik Coromant introduced Manufacturing Wellness, a set of eight habits that successful manufacturers deliberately follow. These include embracing new technology, unlocking potential with data and benefiting from strong partners.

The mindset allows manufacturers to understand sustainability as a journey rather than a destination, since wellness refers to the active pursuit of better outcomes. In March 2024, over 200 companies had their sustainability commitments removed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which promotes science-based emission reduction targets for not being sufficiently ambitious. Therefore, the idea of Manufacturing Wellness not only helps manufacturers early in their journey, but also ensures that they don’t become complacent with their ESG progress.

So, how can these habits combat the barriers that hamper sustainable progress?

Habits in practice

Make UK’s survey revealed that some of the commonly cited challenges preventing manufacturers from achieving the ESG conditions set out by suppliers and customers include a lack of knowledge and awareness and an inability to access the right technologies.

Adopting these Manufacturing Wellness habits can help overcome these issues. For example, choosing partners that have a strong understanding and commitment to sustainability allows manufacturers to benefit from knowledge and services that may not be available in house, including new technologies.

For example, Sandvik Coromant’s Productivity Analyser offers customers a detailed breakdown into their tool usage and has been expanded to include sustainability data such as energy consumption per component and annual carbon dioxide emissions. By embracing these kinds of tools, manufacturers can access a wealth of data that can help them make informed decisions on the path towards their ESG goals.

As manufacturers continue to introduce sustainability strategies in order to remain competitive, adopting a habits-based approach can ensure that these goals are viable and actionable.

Discover Sandvik Coromant’s commitment to Manufacturing Wellness, visit the website.